Expungement
Criminal Defense Lawyer Serving Philadelphia
Expungement Attorney in Philadelphia
Expungement is a legal process that allows individuals to have their criminal records sealed or destroyed. This can be a life-changing opportunity for individuals who have been arrested or convicted of a crime and are looking to move forward with their lives.
Whether you were wrongly accused or convicted of a crime, or you have since turned your life around and want to start fresh, an expungement can help you achieve a clean slate. Having a criminal record can make it difficult to find employment, housing, and other opportunities, and an expungement can help remove these barriers.
If you're considering an expungement, it's important to work with an experienced criminal defense attorney. An attorney can help determine your eligibility for expungement, guide you through the expungement process, and represent you in court.
Don't let a past mistake hold you back any longer. Contact Szanto Law today to learn more about our expungement services and how Jules can help you start fresh.
Benefits of Expungement
An expungement can provide numerous benefits, including:
Improved Employment Opportunities: A criminal record can make it difficult to find employment, and an expungement can help remove this barrier.
Better Housing Options: A criminal record can also make it difficult to find housing, and an expungement can improve your chances of securing a home.
Improved Reputation: An expungement can help improve your reputation and restore your standing in the community.
What is Expungement in Philadelphia?
Expungement in Philadelphia is a legal remedy that allows individuals to have their criminal records sealed or erased. This process effectively removes the record of an arrest or conviction from public view and prevents it from being used against the individual in certain circumstances.
Expungement is designed to give individuals a fresh start and help them overcome the barriers that come with having a criminal record. For example, a criminal record can make it difficult to find employment, housing, or access other opportunities. An expungement can help mitigate these obstacles.
To be eligible for expungement, specific criteria must be met and the process can be complex. It's recommended that those seeking expungement work with a knowledgeable criminal defense attorney to determine their eligibility and guide them through the process.
Eligibility for Expungement in Philadelphia
To be eligible for expungement in Philadelphia, there are specific criteria that must be met, including:
Time Requirements: In most cases, you must wait a certain amount of time after the completion of your sentence or probation before you can petition for expungement.
Nature of the Crime: Certain crimes, such as murder, rape, and child abuse, are not eligible for expungement.
Disposition of the Case: If the case was dismissed, withdrawn, or you were found not guilty, you may be eligible for expungement.
Prior Criminal History: Individuals with multiple convictions or prior expungements may not be eligible for expungement.
It's important to work with an experienced criminal defense attorney to determine your eligibility for expungement in Philadelphia.
The Expungement Process in Philadelphia
The expungement process in Philadelphia involves filing a petition for expungement with the court, serving the petition on the district attorney's office, and attending a hearing to argue for expungement.
Filing the Petition: Your criminal defense attorney will prepare and file a petition for expungement on your behalf.
Serving the Petition: The district attorney's office must be notified of the petition, and your attorney will handle this process.
Hearing: If the district attorney's office does not object to the petition, the court may grant the expungement without a hearing. If there are objections, a hearing will be scheduled, and your attorney will represent you and argue for expungement.
Common Challenges in Philadelphia Expungement Cases
Despite the benefits of expungement, there are common challenges that individuals may face during the expungement process, including:
Proving Eligibility: It can be difficult to prove that you meet the eligibility criteria for expungement.
Objections from the District Attorney's Office: The district attorney's office may object to the expungement, and you'll need to argue for expungement at a hearing.
Complex Process: The expungement process can be complex, and it's important to have an experienced criminal defense attorney to guide you through the process.
How a Criminal Defense Attorney Can Help with Expungement
An experienced criminal defense attorney can provide numerous benefits during the expungement process, including:
Determining Eligibility: Your attorney can help determine your eligibility for expungement and advise you on your best course of action.
Filing the Petition: Your attorney will prepare and file the petition for expungement on your behalf.
Representation at Hearings: If necessary, your attorney will represent you at the expungement hearing and argue for expungement.
Contact a Criminal Defense Lawyer for Expungement Assistance Today
If you're considering an expungement in Philadelphia, it's important to have experienced legal representation on your side. Contact Szanto Law today to learn more about our expungement services and how Jules can help you start fresh. Our team of experienced criminal defense attorneys is dedicated to helping individuals navigate the expungement process and achieve their goals. Jules will work tirelessly to help you achieve a clean slate and move forward with your life. Don't let a past mistake hold you back any longer. Contact Szanto Law today to schedule a consultation and learn more about how Jules can help with your expungement.
